Andriy Yermak Resigns Amid Expanding Corruption Investigation

Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff and a key figure in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s administration, resigned on September 22, 2023, following a raid on his home by anti-corruption investigators. This significant development comes as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption linked to a major scandal involving the state nuclear operator, Energoatom.

The raid was conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), focusing on a case involving embezzlement and kickbacks estimated at $100 million. In a statement shared on social media, Yermak confirmed that investigators had full access to his residence and expressed his commitment to cooperating with law enforcement.

“Today, NABU and SAPO are indeed conducting procedural actions at my home. The investigators have no obstacles. They were given full access to the apartment, my lawyers are on site, interacting with law enforcement officers,” he stated. “From my side, I have full cooperation.”

Yermak’s resignation marks the most significant fallout from the NABU investigation, which has been referred to as “Operation Midas.” Although he has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing, the circumstances surrounding his departure raise serious questions about the integrity of Zelenskyy’s inner circle.

The investigation has already led to charges against businessman Tymur Mindich, a former co-owner of a production company with Zelenskyy, who has been identified as the alleged ringleader of the corruption scheme. Reports indicate that substantial sums of cash were discovered during a raid at Mindich’s apartment, further illuminating the gravity of the scandal.

Yermak’s exit is poised to impact Zelenskyy’s ability to govern effectively, particularly as he was set to travel to Miami to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace initiative with officials from the Trump administration. His resignation adds to an uncertain political climate, as opposition figures were already calling for his resignation prior to the raid, a request that Zelenskyy had previously dismissed.

American officials have cautioned that this scandal could jeopardize Ukraine’s negotiating position with Russia. The developments have led many observers to question whether Zelenskyy can maintain his leadership amid increasing scrutiny and calls for accountability.

In response to Yermak’s resignation, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for his service and emphasized the need for unity in the face of adversity. “I am grateful to Andriy for always presenting the Ukrainian position in the negotiation track exactly as it should be. It has always been a patriotic position,” he said following the announcement. He assured that consultations would be held regarding the appointment of a new chief of staff.

Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of maintaining a united front against external pressures, stating, “Russia really wants Ukraine to make mistakes. There will be no mistakes on our side. We do not have the right to ease the pressure. We do not have the right to retreat or to quarrel among ourselves. If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything.”

The resignation of Yermak further complicates Zelenskyy’s political landscape, with some analysts labeling him a “lame duck” leader in light of the ongoing Energoatom scandal. The U.S. peace proposal stipulates that presidential elections should occur within 100 days following the signing of the agreement. Zelenskyy, who gained office in 2019 on a platform focused on anti-corruption, may face significant challenges if he seeks re-election, a prospect he has indicated he might not pursue.

“If we finish the war with the Russians, I’m ready not to go for the second term because it’s not my goal — elections,” he remarked in a September interview. “I wanted very much in a very difficult period of time to be with my country, help my country. My goal is to finish the war.”

As this situation unfolds, the political future of Ukraine remains uncertain, with significant implications for both domestic governance and international relations.